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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Boots would not let me redeem points for formular.

50 replies

poorbette · 05/05/2010 14:00

I am really cross, I just went to Boots and got various bits for 9 month old - including formula and asked them to deduct the money from my boots card and was told that I could not use my points on the formula as it goes against the companys 'breast is best' policy!! How dare they? I agree that breast is best but it is not always possible.

OP posts:
LadyOfTheFlowers · 05/05/2010 14:01

What age was the milkfor then?

'Follow on' I presume?

TheHeathenOfSuburbia · 05/05/2010 14:02

It's actually against the law to 'promote' formula, which includes giving discounts/vouchers on it, I think.

So I guess Boots are just playing it safe.

traceybath · 05/05/2010 14:02

They're not allowed to legally. Am sure it would count as promoting formula and its not allowed.

Someone will hopefully come along and give you the specifics.

Am pretty sure formula purchases don't count towards loyalty card schemes too.

So yabu - tis the law.

SloanyPony · 05/05/2010 14:02

You were misinformed, they are not allowed to do it by law, it is the Government, not Boots as a company who made this decision. The member of staff who told you this was not properly informed about the reason why they cannot do this. For the same reason, they cannot advertise on TV etc.

biddysmama · 05/05/2010 14:02

is it not illegal or something to give away formula? they cant advertise it, exept the 6 onth plus stuff, i dont think?

ABatInBunkFive · 05/05/2010 14:02

There are strict rules about promoting formula. YABU

BelleDeChocolateFluffyBunny · 05/05/2010 14:03

Sorry but you don't use your card to redeem breast milk.

There's certain things you can't use your card for (prescriptions and formula), I can see why you are annoyed though but I don't think Boots have any control over this.

doggiesayswoof · 05/05/2010 14:03

It's not their company policy - the Boots person you spoke to was wrong. It is the law.

There is a ban on advertising or promoting formula (suitable from birth) so therefore you can't use your points.

mnistooaddictive · 05/05/2010 14:03

It is not the shop's policy but UK law. Shops are not allowed to give any kind of discount or points or anything on Formula milk just like they are not allowed to advertise it. Glad that Boots are upholding this law!

doggiesayswoof · 05/05/2010 14:04

It's formulA

sorry

rubyslippers · 05/05/2010 14:04

It is in the small print for their advantage card - that points can't be redeemed on formula or medicines

mnistooaddictive · 05/05/2010 14:04

Lots of x posts all saying the same thing!

spybear · 05/05/2010 14:07

Does this mean you cant use clubcard vouchers on fags?

trying to change the conversation away from formula milk

islandofsodor · 05/05/2010 14:07

It is illegal to run promotions on formula which includes loyalty points as it is beleived that mums should base their decision on whether to use formula or which brand to buy based on the the permanent price, not reliant on special offers which may change.

Also advertising is not allowed as it is not seen as that may counteract the work being done to promote breasfeeding.

Unfotunately the formula companies seem reluctant to give fact based unbiased information about their products which is what new mums should be able to get rather than airy fairy misleading claims.

FrazzleRock · 05/05/2010 14:08

It's a shame really isn't it.
So many women out there cannot physically provide enough milk (due to medical reasons like me) but we still have to pay for milk.

I remember thinking fab, I have enough points for a few cartons of milk (when I was low on cash - SMP being crappola) Then discovering this law
s'not fair, breast milk (for those who have it) is free

TottWriter · 05/05/2010 14:09

If it was specifically follow-on milk you may, may have something. I don't know the legalities. But formula milk has to be excluded from that for, as the above have said, legal reasons.

I was slightly frustrated by this myself, as I couldn't breastfeed because of medication I have to take, and was slightly depressed by how expensive it all got (especially as I wanted to breastfeed), but in the end, you can't promote something on one hand and be gleefully rattling the tin for the other camp with the other. And let's face it, with the cost of that stuff, you'd rack up points at boots pretty damn quickly.

suitejudyblue · 05/05/2010 14:10

poorbette - you haven't said what sort of milk you were trying to buy but I assume if you have a 9mo then it would be follow on milk and I'm 99% sure that you can both get and use advantage card points for this. Its only first stage milk that can't be promoted etc.

I'm going against the herd on this one - I think YANBU and it might be worth checking with Boots on this one. I think that the assistant should have tried to process you transaction using card points.

biddysmama · 05/05/2010 14:11

if you cant use your points for formula how come you can get it free on benefits (with milk tokens?

not having a go at anyone that does, honest question??

Original poster
poorbette · 05/05/2010 14:13

I know it is formula, I spelt it wrong in title but not in text. Breast feeding is not so easy having had a mastectomy.

OP posts:
StayFrosty · 05/05/2010 14:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

biddysmama · 05/05/2010 14:16

i know its t not the same thing but its still free formula

Original poster
poorbette · 05/05/2010 14:17

It was not follow on milk, they promote that happily enough, but is full of sugar and unnecessary in my opinion. I just wanted some Aptamil.

OP posts:
LittleMrsHappy · 05/05/2010 14:18

biddy is that a serious question, I would have though it were obvious as to why, if they are on benefits, its due to lack of income, and as all children under one are entitled to free milk, formula will cover their milk intake as babies cant have cows milk below the age of 1 year.

Its against the law to promote 1st formula in any promoting ways, and seeing as a boots card is a advantage card scheme, it will be deemed at promoting formula, which is against the law.

biddysmama · 05/05/2010 14:19

aptamil is very popular with newbies i believe

StayFrosty · 05/05/2010 14:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.